Meet Dr. Derek C. Lou: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Derek Lou is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon who proudly provides excellent and life-changing aesthetic surgery outcomes from his private practice, Lou Plastic Surgery, in Houston, TX.
A native Texan, Dr. Lou is dedicated to helping patients in the greater Houston Metropolitan area attain the results they desire while feeling fully informed about their options. Dr. Lou was one of nine medical humanitarians honored as a 2018 recipient of the RealSelf fellowship grant for his upcoming trip to Mexico with the Crystal Foundation. Ever-focused on making a difference in the lives of each patient, Dr. Lou has staffed Lou Plastic Surgery and Lou MD Laser & Med Spa with an experienced, compassionate team that works together to make dreams come true.
Education & Training
2017–Present
Clinical Associate Professor in Plastic Surgery – University of Texas Medical Branch
Training third- and fourth-year medical students in a private-practice setting, including office clinics, inpatient, and outpatient surgery.
2005–2007
Indiana University School of Medicine – Indianapolis, IN
Plastic Surgery Fellowship
1999–2005
Indiana University School of Medicine – Indianapolis, IN
General Surgery Residency, AMA Physician’s Recognition Award (2003)
1995–1999
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School – Dallas, TX
MD June 1999
1991–1995
Harvard University – Cambridge
MA BA in Biological Sciences, Cum Laude General Studies, Harvard College Scholarship, Dean’s List, 1991–1994
1980–1991
Trinity Valley School – Fort Worth, TX
Valedictorian and National Merit Finalist, Tandy Scholar for Technical Excellence, Award for Academic Excellence, 1987–1991
Skills & Specialties
From Lou Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX, Dr. Lou offers more than 40 comprehensive aesthetic surgeries to help his patients achieve their ultimate goals. Dr. Lou is a skilled, multi-faceted surgeon with training and experience performing a full spectrum of reconstructive, plastic, and cosmetic surgery procedures. A regular contributor to Realself.com and the recipient of numerous five-star reviews on the same platform, Dr. Lou is considered especially talented in the performance of breast augmentation, breast implant revision, breast reduction, and lift procedures, such as arm and lower body lifts.
Memberships & Societies
Active Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Candidate Membership, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Member, Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons
Member, Harris County Medical Society
American Medical Association
Awards & Recognition
In years 2013 through 2016, Dr. Derek Lou earned the prestigious Super Service Award by Angie’s List for providing excellent service in the aesthetic surgery industry as determined by a plethora of five-star reviews on the website known as Angie’s List. In addition to his humanitarian efforts, Dr. Lou is proud to support and participate in the Crystal Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1993 by Dr. R. Scott Yarish. The Crystal Foundation has been providing medical and surgical care for the underserved areas around Guerrero, Mexico. The foundation’s primary role is performing reconstructive surgery for children and adults with birth deformities who otherwise would not be able to receive any care at all. In 2018, Dr. Lou was the recipient of the Realself fellow award for humanitarianism and expanding global access to reconstructive surgery and advanced medical care because of his involvement in the Crystal Foundation.
Publications
“The Whole Truth: comparative analysis of diaphragmatic hernia repair using 4-ply vs 8-ply small intestinal submucosa in a growing animal model.” Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 41(3): 518-23, 2006 Mar.
“Management of Parapneumonic Collections in Infants and Children”, Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 35(2): 265-8; discussion 269-70, 2000 Feb.
“Steroids and poor nutrition are associated with infectious wound complications in children undergoing first stage procedures for ulcerative colitis.” Surgery. 2008 Oct;144(4):540-5; discussion 545-7.
“Abdominal Wall and Retroperitoneum” Surgery Review Illustrated. 1st Ed. New York: McGraw Hill, 2005.
“Genetic Linkage of Autosomal Dominant Juvenile Glaucoma to 1q21-q31 in Three Affected Pedigrees”, Genomics, 21(2):299-303, 1994 May 15.
Surgical Research
Lou D, Billmire DF, Rescorla F, Scherer III LR, Engum SA, West K, Rouse T, Pfefferkorn M, Grosfeld JL. “Preoperative Factors Influencing Infectious Morbidity in First Stage Procedures in Children with Ulcerative Colitis”. Abstract submitted for presentation at the Central Surgical Society Annual Meeting, Spring 2004.
Lou D, Engum SA, Mitchell MA, Olinger M, Scherer III LR, Grosfeld JL. “School Bus Accidents: Mass Casualty or Mass Chaos?”. Presented at 22nd Annual J.K. Berman Essay Program, Indiana University Dept of Surgery, June 2002.
Dr. Lou is proud to perform surgery at the following prestigious establishments:
Houston Methodist West Hospital
18500 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77094
(832) 522-5522
Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital
921 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77024
(713) 242-3000
Memorial Village Surgery Center
1120 Business Center Dr., Houston, TX 77043
(713) 337-1111
Crystal Outpatient Surgery Center
950 Threadneedle St, Houston, TX 77079
(713) 467-2453
First Street Surgical Hospital
4801 Bissonnet St, Bellaire, TX 77401
(713) 275-1111